Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite says he is interested in buying the site of the former Co-Op store next to Vale Park.

Purchasing the land would make long-term sense to the club as it contains a large expanse of car park and offers opportunity to commercially develop land around the ground. Clubs are well aware of the need to increase revenue away from matchdays so many lower league clubs have built or are planning to build commercial or residential property around their grounds.

We are the obvious and logical purchasers of the site and it would give the club substantial opportunities to expand both commercially and operationally..

Smurthwaite told the Sentinel: “Having viewed the property I had an offer rejected, but I am currently in dialogue regarding using the car park, at least until the property is sold.

“I am also in dialogue regarding a potential second offer.

“We are the obvious and logical purchasers of the site and it would give the club substantial opportunities to expand both commercially and operationally.”

In the meantime, the club are hoping to reach an agreement to continue to house the club’s car park on the site until it is sold.